Pantone’s 2026 Colour of The Year has many turning, scratching and even shaking their heads. Some are saying it’s not even a real colour and others are calling it a lazy choice.
But we’re not haters here. In fact, we think that sometimes neutrals are necessary and that warm white can be a chic city apartment and not just a padded room.
Experts in kitchen and bathroom design agree and have shared their tips for making it work for these spaces.
Why Do People Fear Cloud Dancer?
When people think of white, some associate it with corporate and communal spaces. Cold, focussed environments. But what if the problem is not the colour itself but the colour temperature?
James Bryant, Founder of the made-to-measure interiors brand CutMy, says: “If you’re nervous about going too pale, Cloud Dancer is a safe choice. The warmth in the colour helps the kitchen feel inviting. Pair it with warm LEDs and natural materials and the space instantly becomes more welcoming.”
Heaven forbid it be said: people are threatened by Cloud Dancer because they don’t know how to style a home when colour is taken out of the equation. Not everyone has the budget or the permission to change the colour of their space. Cloud Dancer might seem builder-grade for some but it’s the challenge the design community needs to make homes chic when you can’t fix the problem with a lick of paint.
How To Style A Cloud Dancer Bathroom
“Bathrooms don’t need bold colour to make an impact,” Mark Tones, Founder of Aquaroc, says. “Cloud Dancer is a perfect reflection of where bathroom design is heading. People want spaces that feel calm, considered and long-lasting, and this shade delivers exactly that. It offers a beautiful combination of warmth and freshness, which makes it incredibly versatile in a bathroom setting.”
He suggests focusing more on texture (fluted, stone etc.) and shape (traditional curved edges or clean, sharp lines for a modern look).
“As we move into 2026, bathrooms are becoming more about how a space makes you feel. Cloud Dancer supports that shift perfectly. It’s understated, adaptable and designed to stand the test of time, which is exactly what people want when investing in new bathroom pieces. [It] allows textures, materials and quality finishes to take centre stage. It offers a sense of space and clarity, which is exactly what people want from a bathroom,” he adds.
How To Style A Cloud Dancer Kitchen
James Bryant, Founder of the made-to-measure interiors brand CutMy, says: “Cloud Dancer is a beautifully versatile white because it doesn’t feel cold or clinical. It softens the room and works effortlessly with both modern and traditional kitchens. It’s a shade that helps a space feel brighter and calmer without overwhelming it.”
He suggests using panelling to add detail to your kitchen walls: “Panelling creates a peaceful, architectural feel. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple kitchen layout, especially in open-plan spaces where you want subtle definition between zones.” The soft white draws attention to your trimwork and other less obvious details in moodier kitchens. You can opt for the popular shaker-style or go farmhouse with tongue-and-groove cladding.
James adds: “Our kitchen doors are ideal for embracing this trend because they give people freedom to achieve a high-end, bespoke look at an accessible price. You can pair soft-white doors with oak trims or darker worktops to create contrast, or keep everything tonal for a more minimal, Scandinavian feel.”
He recommends straying from conventional splashbacks to add some texture and visual interest to your kitchen.“A splashback is a brilliant way to bring Cloud Dancer into the room subtly. Whether you match the wall colour for seamless flow or choose a slightly contrasting neutral, it helps define the space and adds a focal point that’s still understated.” CutMy offers custom-size splashbacks in acrylic, glass, aluminium and decorative styles.
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